Roc de Cambes 2009 and 2012

Roc de Cambes 2009 and 2012

Francois Mitjavile is one of the most enigmatic and thoughtful winemakers in Bordeaux. His legendary Tertre Roteboeuf is a favourite amongst the wine trade and collectors alike. Francois is as generous with his time as he is with his wonderful old bottles. Long, reflective tastings in his rustic cellars discussing philosophy, music and culture are usually rounded off with a little tasting of one of his very ‘civilised’ wines, sometimes from a grand, mature vintage, at others from a vintage many might have written off – it hardly seems to matter, the wine is invariably delicious. It is only when you have tasted fully developed examples that one can appreciate the glorious complexity of these unique wines.

Since 1987, Francois has also owned Roc de Cambes in the relatively unknown Côtes de Bourg appellation. The limestone and clay slope here bears an uncanny similarity to Tertre Roteboeuf and the results display quite a resemblance too – not all that surprising when you consider that the philosophy and wine-making techniques are identical for the two properties. We were fortunate to re-taste the 2012 and 2009 Roc de Cambes; two gorgeous, complex, gourmand wines with very bright futures ahead. Don’t be put off by the little-known commune, these are exhilarating, multidimensional wines that never fail to impress.

The 2012 is surprisingly dense, but there is also a wonderful purity of fruit and plenty of finesse. As one would expect from one of Francois’ wines, the fruit is a paradox of damson fruit just the right side of hedonistic, with complex aromas of mocha and spice all gorgeously robed with sumptuous tannins. One of the staggering things about this estate is the consistency, especially in ‘challenging’ vintages. If you thought that would mean the ‘great’ vintages are disappointing; think again. The 2009 exceeds all expectation. Francois has ratcheted up the quality even further. This has all the hallmarks of a Mitjavile wine with even more concentration, more nuance, more power, more refinement, more ‘Sebastian Bach!’ - as Francois himself says.

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Tax Status Explained

IB stands for In Bond. Wines that are stored In Bond have not had UK Duty and VAT paid on them.

Most of our wines are available for purchase under bond, as fine wines often need to be laid down in order to allow them to mature. Many clients choose therefore to store them in our bonded warehouse and pay the tax as and when they wish to get the wines delivered. Please note that Wines purchased In Bond can be exported to non-EU countries without the need for Duty and VAT to be paid.

DP stands for duty paid. If you wish to get wines delivered for drinking, the duty and VAT will need to be paid as it leaves its bonded state in the warehouse. The wine is then said to be duty paid.

All taxes must be paid in order for us to be authorised to ship or deliver wine (unless the wine is bonded and being moved to another bonded warehouse or being shipped directly outside of the EU.)

EP stands for En Primeur. These wines are currently held with the Estate and Domaine’s we work with and will be shipped in due course.